Peach tree named ‘Burpeachthirtyfour’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ), and which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachthirtyfour’, and which further produces an attractively colored yellow fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 16 to August 23 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Botanical designation: The present invention relates to a new, novel, and distinct variety of peach tree, Prunus persica.

Varietal denomination: ‘Burpeachthirtyfour’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of peach tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties, and rootstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus, Malus, Punica and Juglans species. To this end we make both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling, ‘Burpeachthirtyfour’ was originated by us, and selected from a population of seedlings growing in our experimental orchards which are located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were derived from an open pollinated seedling of the ‘N9.120’ peach tree (unpatented), and which was the seed parent. After a period of stratification, the seed derived from the seed parent was placed in the greenhouse by population, and then field planted for tree establishment, and ultimately to exhibit fruit for evaluation. One yellow fleshed peach seedling, which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was then designated as ‘Q59.112’. This seedling was marked for subsequent observation. After the 2006 fruiting season, the new variety of peach tree was selected for advanced evaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of peach tree was accomplished by budding the new peach tree onto ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (un-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations of these asexually reproduced plants have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through these succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burpeachthirtyfour’ is a new and distinct variety of peach tree, which is considered of medium-large size, and which has a moderately vigorous growth characteristic. This new tree is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, yellow-fleshed, freestone fruit which have a very good flavor, and eating qualities. This new peach tree has a medium chilling requirement of approximately 650 hours, and further produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree's canopy. In addition to the foregoing, the fruit produced by the new peach tree also appears to have good handling and shipping qualities. The ‘Burpeachthirtyfour’ peach tree bears fruit which are typically ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment on approximately August 16 to August 23 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the ‘Ryan Sun’ peach tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,829), and which is the closest known variety, the new variety of peach tree bears fruit that exhibits a more rounded shape especially at the apex. Further, and when compared to the ‘Ryan Sun’ peach tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,829), the current variety exhibits a minimal amount of preharvest fruit drop. In relative comparison to the seed parent, ‘N9.120’ peach tree, the present variety ripens approximately 2 weeks earlier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph of portions of the new peach tree variety. The photograph depicts two whole mature fruit viewed from the apical aspect. One mature fruit is shown, and which is bisected transversely through the equatorial plane, and which reveals the flesh color, and stone characteristics thereof. The external coloration of the fruit as shown in the photograph is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. Additionally, the photograph displays a sample vegetative shoot bearing typical leaves, and a typical stone with the flesh removed. The colors in this photograph are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in this photograph may, or may not, be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) and descriptions provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the present variety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological or other characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following has been observed during the seventh fruiting season, and under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards of the assignee which are located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of California. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition, 2001) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

TREE

-   -   -   Size.—Generally considered medium to medium-large in its             growth pattern as compared to other common commercial peach             cultivars ripening in the late season of maturity. The tree             of the present variety was pruned to a height of             approximately 270.0 cm. to about 310.0 cm. at commercial             maturity.         -   Width.—Approximately 275.0 cm.         -   Vigor.—Considered moderately vigorous. The present peach             tree variety grew from about 170.0 cm. to about 180.0 cm. in             height during the first growing season. The new variety was             pruned to a height of approximately 150.0 cm. during the             first dormant season, and primary scaffolds were then             selected for the desired tree structure.         -   Productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from more than             the desired crop load, to levels higher than desired levels,             when the new variety is grown in a suitable horticultural             zone, and under appropriate commercial nursery conditions.             The fruit set is spaced by thinning to develop the remaining             fruit into the desired market-sized fruit. The number of the             fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions,             and the cultural practices employed.         -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. Fruit set has been more than             adequate during the previous years of observation, and             thinning was necessary during the past 7 years on both the             original seedling, and on subsequent asexually reproduced             trees.         -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned into a vase shape.         -   Density.—Considered moderately dense. It has been discovered             that pruning the branches from the center of the tree to             obtain a resulting vase shape allows for enhanced air             movement and appropriate amounts of sunlight to reach the             tree, and which improves the resulting fruit color, and the             renewal of fruiting wood throughout the tree.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown, and evaluated in USDA             Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling             requirements of the new tree is approximately 650 hours at a             temperature below 7.0 degrees C. The present variety appears             to be hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley             climatic conditions.

TRUNK

-   -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 17.5 cm in diameter when measured at             a distance of approximately 15.24 cm. above the soil level.             This measurement was taken at the end of the 7th growing             season.         -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous             folds of papery scarfskin being present. Since bark             development, and coloration change with advancing tree age             this characteristic varies with the tree vigor, age and             regional conditions. Therefore, this is not a reliable             descriptor of the new variety.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The             lenticels range in size from approximately 4.0 millimeters             to about 6.0 mm. in width, and between about 1.0 mm and             about 2.0 millimeters in height. The development, and size             of the trunk lenticels, can be influenced, to some degree,             by the ambient growing conditions, and are not, necessarily,             a dependable and distinguishing characteristic of this             variety. As trees of this variety mature, lenticels are             present, but they are generally covered by increasing layers             of cork (mature bark) and therefore become less apparent.         -   Lenticel color.—Considered an orange brown, (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group N167 C).         -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to             be a greyed brown, (RHS Grey Group 201 D). This bark             description was taken from trees in their seventh leaf which             have ruptured the scarf skin, and which also have developed             bark furrowing which is much more typical of the bark of             older trees. It should be noted that the coloration of the             bark is influenced, and varies, as the smoother, darker             background color approaches other bark features such as the             lenticels, and the initial fissures which form a feature of             the scarf skin development.

BRANCHES

-   -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other peach varieties. The             branches have a diameter of about 10.0 centimeters when             measured during the 6th year after grafting.         -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood             which is several years old.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, and             are usually observed by growing at an angle of about 45 to             about 57 degrees when measured from a horizontal plane. This             characteristic can be influenced, to some degree, by tree             vigor, rootstock and other cultural conditions.         -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially             glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.3 cm.         -   Color of mature branches.—Grey brown, (RHS Grey Group 201             D).         -   Current seasons shoots.—Color. — Medium-light green, (RHS             Yellow-Green Group 146 A). The color of new shoot tips is             considered a bright and shiny green (RHS Yellow-Green Group             146 D). The vegetative shoot color can be significantly             influenced by plant nutrition, irrigation practices, and             exposure to sunlight, and therefore should not be considered             a consistent nor distinctive botanical characteristic of             this new variety.

LEAVES

-   -   -   Size.—Considered medium-large for the species. Leaf             measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright,             current-season growth, at approximately mid-shoot. It should             be understood that the resulting leaf size is often             influenced by the prevailing growing conditions, quality of             sunlight, and the location of the leaf within the tree             canopy. For this reason, leaf sizes can vary significantly             based upon the ambient, and other cultural factors listed             above, and are not typically considered a dependable             botanical descriptor.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 158.0 to about 165.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 35.0 to about 42.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base-shape.—The leaves generally exhibit equal marginal             symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.         -   Leaf color.—Upper Leaf Surface — Dark green, (approximately             RHS Green Group 137 C).         -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.         -   Leaf color.—Lower Leaf Surface — light to medium green,             (approximately RHS Green Group 137 D).         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Color — Considered a light, yellow-green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 144 C) in the early to             mid-period of the growing season.         -   Leaf margins.—Gently undulating. Form. — Considered crenate.             Uniformity. — Considered generally uniform.         -   Leaf petioles.—Form. — Considered canaliculated, and having             a more pronounced trough when viewed from the dorsal aspect.             The petiole margin is considered rounded when viewed from             the ventral aspect. Size. — Considered medium-small for the             species. Length. — About 8.0 to about 11.0 mm. Diameter. —             About 1.5 to about 2.0 mm. Color. — Light yellow green,             (appoximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 144 C).         -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Generally considered small for the             species; approximately 1.0 mm. in length; and about 1.0 mm.             in height. Number. — Generally one to two glands per             marginal side are found. Observations of more than two             glands per marginal side are much more uncommon. Type. — The             glands are located at the base of the leaf, and are             predominantly reniform in shape. An additional one, two, or             occasionally more glands, which appear more globose, and             stalked, are often present at the basal margin of the leaf             petiole as well. Color. — Considered a medium, light brown,             approximately (RHS Grey-Brown Group 199 B). Typically the             coloration of the glands darkens, and occasionally begins to             desiccate during, and thereafter, the mid-late growing             season.         -   Leaf stipules.—Size. — Medium large for this variety.             Number. — Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot             tip. Form. — Lanceolate in form, and having a serrated             marginal edge. Color. — Green, (approximately RHS Green             Group 139 B) when young, but graduating to a brown color,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 A) with advancing             senescence. The leaf stipules are generally considered to be             early deciduous.

FLOWER BUDS

-   -   -   Hardiness.—No winter injury (bud death) has been noted             during the last several years of observation in the central             San Joaquin Valley. The new variety of peach tree has not             been intentionally subjected to drought, cold or heat             stress, and therefore this information is not available.         -   Flower bud.—Size — Variable, and dependent upon the state of             maturity. The flower buds as described were observed             approximately 7 days prior to bloom.         -   Flower bud.—Length — Approximately 14.0 millimeters.         -   Flower bud.—Diameter — Approximately 9.0 millimeters.         -   Flower bud surface texture.—Pubescent.         -   Flower bud orientation.—Considered appressed, but may appear             less so as the blossoms near opening.         -   Bud scale color.—Approximately (RHS Greyed-Purple N186 C).

FLOWERS

-   -   -   Date of first bloom.—Observed on Mar. 2, 2013.         -   Blooming time.—Considered average in relative comparison to             other commercial peach cultivars grown in the central San             Joaquin Valley. The date of full bloom was observed on Mar.             8, 2013. The date of full bloom varies slightly based upon             the surrounding climatic conditions, and the prevailing             cultural practices.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 7 days and sometimes more.             This particular characteristic varies slightly with the             prevailing climatic conditions.         -   Flower class.—Considered a perfect flower, complete and             perigynous.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered medium. The flower diameter at full             bloom, is approximately 30.0 to 35.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Normally two flower buds appear per             node. Occasionally one flower bud per node is observed. From             time-to-time more than two flower buds per node are             observed.         -   Petal size.—Generally considered medium for the species.         -   Petal length.—Approximately 13.0 to 17.0 millimeters.         -   Petal width.—Approximately 12.0 to 15.0 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Considered broadly ovate.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Considered a light pink at the popcorn stage,             (RHS Red Group 49 B), and darkening with advanced             senescence, and the exposure of sunlight, to a medium-dark             pink, (RHS Red-Purple 63 C).         -   Fragrance.—Slight.         -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered truncate, and is             generally considered medium-small when as compared to other             varieties. Length. — Approximately 6.0-7.0 millimeters.             Width. — Approximately 6.0 to 8.0 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly             smooth to moderately undulate and ruffled, especially             apically.         -   Petal apex.—Generally, the petal margin is entire at the             tip.         -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium-long with an             approximate length of about 2.5 to about 3.0 millimeters.             Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 millimeters. Color. — A medium             brown, approximately (RHS Grey-Brown Group 199 A). Surface.             — Glabrous.         -   Floral nectaries.—Color. — Considered a deep orange             (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group N172 B).         -   Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — A             dull red, (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple Group 183 A).         -   Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine             pubescent texture. Number. — 5 sepals Size. — Average, and             ovate in form. Sepal Length. — Approximately 4.0 to 6.0             millimeters. Sepal Width. — Approximately 4.0 to 6.0             millimeters. Sepal Shape. — Generally obovate. Sepal Margin.             — Considered smooth and entire. Sepal Color. — A dull,             magenta, (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 181 C).         -   Anthers.—Generally. — Average in size. Color. — Red to             reddish-orange when viewed dorsally and prior to dehiscence,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 179 A).         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant and has a yellow             color, (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 17 B).         -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.         -   Filaments.—Size. — Approximately 13.0 to 15.0 millimeters in             length. Color. — Considered white to a pinkish-white, (RHS             Red Purple Group 65 C).         -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually one, and only rarely more than             one. Generally. — Large in size. Length. — Approximately             16.0 to about 18.0 millimeters in length including the             ovary. Color. — Considered a very pale green, (approximately             RHS Yellow-Green Group 150 C). Surface Texture. — The             variety has a long pubescent pistil.

FRUIT

-   -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Approximately Aug. 16, 2013. Date of             last picking. — Aug. 23, 2013. The date of harvest can vary             slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions, and the             currently employed cultural practices.         -   Size.—Generally — Considered large, and uniform.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 73.0 to about 89.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 70.0 to about 87.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Approximately 235.0 grams. This weight             characteristic is quite dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of the new variety.         -   Fruit form.—Generally — Considered globose. The fruit is             generally uniform in symmetry.         -   Fruit suture.—No stitching exists along the suture line.         -   Suture.—Color — Generally, the fruit appears blushed to the             same degree as the skin, (approximately Orange-Red Group RHS             N34 A).         -   Ventral surface.—Form — Quite even, and uniform in             appearance, when it is viewed from the lateral, sutural             plane.         -   Apex.—Shape — Rounded to slightly retuse.         -   Base.—Shape — Generally smooth.         -   Stem cavity.—Generally — This feature extends in a rounded             circular form which is generally considered uniform. The             stem cavity, as noted, above, is rounded but extends             slightly toward the suture. The average depth of the stem             cavity is about 6.0-9.0 mm. The average width of the stem             cavity is about 20.0 mm. The average length of the stem             cavity, when measured in the suturial plane. is about 35.0             mm.         -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and             tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture. — Short, fine and             pubescent. The pubescence is moderately abundant. Taste. —             Non-astringent. Tendency to crack. — Not observed in the             previous years of observation and evaluation.         -   Fruit skin color.—Blush Color. — Generally speaking, a red             blush exists on a majority of the skin of the fruit             (approximately RHS Orange-Red Group N34 A), and is more             typically present on the portions of the fruit facing the             sunlight. The blush of the fruit typically covers             approximately 65%-85% of the fruit skin surface. The             percentage of the blush on the fruit skin surface can vary,             and is generally dependent upon the fruit's exposure to             direct sunlight; specific fruit maturity; and also the             prevailing ecological and cultural conditions under which             the fruit was grown. Ground Color. — Yellow, (approximately             RHS Yellow Group 13 A). The ground color of the fruit can             vary significantly based upon the maturity of the fruit when             this measurement is taken.         -   Fruit stem.—Size. — Medium in length, approximately 6.0 to             about 8.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 to             about 3.0 millimeters. Color. — Pale yellow-green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 B).         -   Fruit flesh.—Ripening. — Considered even. Texture. — Firm,             juicy and dense. Considered firm yet non-melting. Fibers. —             Present but not prominent. Aroma. — Slight. Eating Quality.             — Considered very good. Flavor. — Considered very sweet, and             with moderate acidity. The flavor is considered both             pleasant and balanced. Juice Production. — Moderate. Brix. —             About 11.5 to 13.0 degrees. This characteristic varies             slightly with the number of fruit per tree; the maturity of             fruit when harvested; the prevailing cultural practices; and             the ambient climatic conditions. Acidity. — Approximately             0.7-0.8 titratible acidity was detected. Flesh Color. —             Considered a deep yellow, (approximately RHS Yellow- Orange             Group 21 A).

STONE

-   -   -   Type.—Considered a freestone.         -   Size.—The stone size is generally considered to be medium             for the variety. The stone size can further vary,             significantly, depending upon the tree vigor, the crop load,             and the prevailing growing and cultural conditions under             which the tree was grown.         -   Length.—Average, about 27.0 to about 30.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Average, about 22.0 to about 26.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Average, about 17.0 to about 19.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Roughly ovoid.         -   Stone base.—Shape — The stone is considered shortly             attenuate.         -   Apex.—Shape — The stone exhibits a slight apex.         -   Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Considered irregularly             furrowed toward the apex and along the stone's edge. Pitting             is prominent, in general, over the exterior surface. Ridges.             — Ridging is generally more prominent, and is usually             oriented parallel, and laterally relative at the ventral and             dorsal margins. Ventral Edge. — The ventral edge is             generally considered troughed with three substantial grooves             that converge apically. Dorsal Edge. — Shape — Generally             considered even. The folds of the surface ridges appearing             on the external margins often end gently along the suture.         -   Stone color.—The color of a mature, dry stone is generally             considered a dull brown, approximately (RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 177 A).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting has only rarely been noted.         -   Kernel.—Length. — Approximately 18.0-21.0 millimeters.             Width. — Approximately 12.0-15.0 millimeters. Thickness. —             4.0-5.0 millimeters. Size. — The kernel is considered medium             in size. Further the kernel is gelatinous and immature when             the fruit is fully mature, and ready for harvesting and             shipment. Form. — Considered generally ovoid. Pellicle. —             Slightly pubescent. Color. — A dark tan (RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 164 A).         -   Use.—The present variety ‘Burpeachthirtyfour’ is considered             to be a peach tree of the late mid-season of maturity, and             which further produces fruit which are considered to be             firm, attractively colored, and which are useful for both             local, and long distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Appears excellent. The fruit of the present             variety has stored well for periods of up to 30 days after             harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new peach tree             variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage             after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing             procedures.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not             been intentionally tested to expose or detect any             susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit             diseases, insect, frost, winter injury or other             environmental factors.

Although the new variety of peach tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Fowler, Calif., in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley of California, it should be understood that variations of the usual magnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest control, frost, climatic variables and changes in horticultural management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of peach tree, what we claim is new, and desire to secure by plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored yellow fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 16 to August 23 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 